Chat with Kliff Kingsbury

Welcome to SportsNation! On Monday, new Texas Tech head football coach Kliff Kingsbury stops by to chat about the upcoming college season.

Kingsbury, @TTUKingsbury, in December, was named the 15th head coach at Texas Tech, his alma mater. He spent the 2012 season at Texas A&M as the offensive coordinator, coaching 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.

Kingsbury set several records during his time at Texas Tech, including being the third player in NCAA history to record more than 12,000 passing yards and total yards and more than 1,000 passing completions. He set 39 school, 16 Big 12 and 17 NCAA records.

Buzzmaster

(1:57 PM)

Wade (Denver)

There's been talk of some tweaks to the uniforms this year. Any tidbits on what we can expect?

Kliff Kingsbury

(1:59 PM)

No. It will be a surprise. But we will have some different looks.

Zach (Lake Dallas, TX)

What needs to happen this year for you to be able to define it as a "successful season?"

Kliff Kingsbury

(1:59 PM)

We don't put win totals as far as certain goals. Since Day 1, we've talked about seeing improvement every day. That's what we're shooting for.

Colin (God's Country)

Thing you missed most before you came back to Lubbock?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:00 PM)

Just being around the people. There are no friendlier people than that of West Texas. Being around that spirit each and every day.

Travis K. (Keller, TX)

Do you believe Tech's fast paced offensive scheme ran during 11-on-11 team drills in practice further prepares the defense for conference opponents who utilize a similar tempo?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:01 PM)

I hope it helps. I think seeing that each and every day will give them a better feel, but nothing can similate game experience.

Brian (Virginia)

Texas Tech is deep in talent this year at RB. Although Tech traditionally is a pass-heavy offense, do you see the RBs being heavily involved in the offense to take advantage of their talent?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:02 PM)

Yeah, I do. I think we pride ourselves in adapting to our personnel. We'll do what we're best at. We'll do what we can to get each of those backs the ball.

Jason (Utah)

I know you'll be (and are) hands on with the offense. How "hands on" are you with the defense? Will you override your D coordinator's calls?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:03 PM)

I won't be very hands on with the defense. Coach does a great job and I hired him to be the head coach of the defense. That's how it will be set up.

David (Lubbock)

Coach, how's recruiting going

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:03 PM)

It's going well. We're excited about the committments so far. Our staff has done a great job in the short time to build relationships. We're excited for the Class of 2014.

James (Lubbock, Texas)

What is your greatest memory as a Texas TechRed Raider Quarterback.

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:04 PM)

My first start against Oklahoma. The win made us boal eligible. Still my favorite game of all time.

Jason M (Austin, TX)

Coach Kingsbury, could you provide some insight on where the Texas Tech football team is now and where you expect it to be in three years? What is the primary component you feel needs to fall into place for your plan to come to fruition?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:05 PM)

Hopefully we can continue to climb and be a traditional powers in the Big 12. That's the goal. That's why these coaches came here.

Andre (Tallahassee, FL)

What has been the biggest challenge you have had since taking the job?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:06 PM)

Just dealing with the administrative stuff. Being the OC versus the head coach, there are a lot more administrative issues on a daily basis.

ted (cape cod)

Favorite pre-game meal when you were playing in college?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:06 PM)

I was a big spaghetti guy. Spaghettis and chicken breast.

Mari IL [via mobile]

How does it feel when your records are broken

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:07 PM)

It feels good. Luckily, I've been able to coach some guys that have broken them, so it's a lot easier when that happens.

Sean (Lubbock)

Will there be any new traditions kicked off or returned to? Good Luck this year. You have brought the community back together!

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:08 PM)

We're still working through that. We're going to feel the pulse of this team and see where we're at. Hopefully with winning comes new traditions.

Reese (South Austin)

Favorite Tech QB to watch after your time at Tech?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:08 PM)

I enjoyed watching everybody. I would say that Graham, the run that they had and what they were able to accomplish was incredible. With the run they had.

Stephen (Fort Worth)

What do you think of that new video board going up in the Jones?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:09 PM)

I think it will be an awesome addition to the entire gameday atmosphere. It should add a whole new element to gameday.

Jason (Plano) [via mobile]

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:10 PM)

I haven't had time to get involved yet. I'm sure I would be at least one of the top scorers.

Logan (Dallas) [via mobile]

What the biggest flaw in the team that needs to be fixed before the 1st game?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:10 PM)

I think just focus. Last year, we were last in the Big 12 in penalties. It comes down to focus and being locked in on gameday.

A.J. (Dallas)

Hello Kliff. Good Luck this year. How does a offense first reputation hinder Tech in getting top defensive recruits?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:11 PM)

I don't think it helps or hurts. We recruit players we think will help our system. Players who want to create their own legacy. That should effect their decision to play at Texas Tech

Mohamed (Houston)

How is the team's physical conditioning coming along? I know that we've suffered from injuries in the recent seasons.

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:12 PM)

It seems good. It's a different style they've been accustomed too. Hopefully we can keep them healthy and on the field.

Benny (NYC)

Hesiman weekend. Where were you exactly when you got the phone call from Tech's A.D. ?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:13 PM)

Yeah, I was in the New York at Bounce Sporting Club. I was there to watch games. I got a call and things started to happen. It was a surreal moment that it was all coming together.

Chris (Plano)

In the 2002 game in Lubbock against UT, it appeared there were a couple of times after a big score that you referred to Jones Stadium as being "my house". How do you recreate that mentality to the current players?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:14 PM)

That's something we're working on. The record at home the last few years hasn't been great. Something the guys protect dearly. We're working hard on making Jones Stadium a hard place to play.

Travis (Houston)

What was the biggest obstacle in putting your staff together?

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:14 PM)

The toughest part is you're trying to recruit at the same time you're getting coaches. You're trying to do it well, but quick to get the coaches in place. That was the toughest thing, balancing the two.

Kliff Kingsbury

(2:15 PM)

I appreciate all of the support. The reception that we've felt since coming aboard. We can not wait to start the season. Guns up!